The most commonly used medications in treating OCD are antidepressants, in particular, SSRIs and tricyclic drugs. Behavioral therapy, which seeks to change people's reactions to anxiety-provoking situations, is frequently used in combination with medications. It takes time for any treatment to work, so don't be discouraged if you have a setback or if a particular treatment doesn't work for you. Other options for OCD are available.

An Introduction to OCD Treatment

Treatment for OCD includes medications and behavioral therapy, a specific type of psychotherapy. A combination of these treatments is often most effective, especially when treating the disorder in children.

Evaluating the Circumstances Prior to Treating OCD

Before OCD treatment can begin, the doctor must conduct a careful evaluation to determine whether your symptoms are due to OCD and what other conditions may be present.

Sometimes, alcoholism or some other coexisting condition will have such an impact that it is necessary to treat it at the same time or before treating OCD.

If you have had previous treatment for this condition, be prepared to tell the doctor what you tried. If it was a medication, what was the dosage, was it gradually increased, and how long did you take it? If you had psychotherapy, what kind was it and how often did you attend sessions?

It often happens that people believe they have "failed" at OCD treatment or that the treatment has failed them, when, in fact, it was never given an adequate trial. So it's important to give the medication and/or therapy a chance to work.

When you treat OCD, you and your doctor or therapist will be working as a team. Together, you will attempt to find the approach that is best for you. If one option doesn't work, the odds are good that another one will. And new treatments are continually being developed through research. So don't give up hope.

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